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COLLECTION OF POEMS 



BY 



MATTHIAS KELLER 

COMPOSER OF THE AMERICAN HYMN 



^ BOSTON 

PUBLISHED BY O. DITSON & CO. 
syr -WASHINGTON street 

1874 



\%^^ 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, A. D. 1874, 

By MATTHIAS KELLEE, 

In the OiBce of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



J. F. LOUGHLI N, 

(OOK AND MUSIC STEREO- AND E LECTRO T YPE R , 

36 WINTER STREET, BOSTON. 



University Press: Welcu, Bigelow & Co., Cambridge. 



Co 

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iroWf f atroit of Inhtstrg anir Srf, 

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PREFACE 



In" preparing this little volume, most of tlie contents 
of whicli has been already published and found fayor 
in connection with music, the Author has sought to 
make endurable, and perhaps profitable, the hours 
which, on account of a complication of ailments, 
aggravated by the natural infirmities of age, bear so 
heavily upon him. If it should afford to any the 
means of enjoyably whiling away an otherwise dull 
moment, one of the objects of its publication will be 
accomplished. 

Boston, January 1st, 1874. 



CONTENTS. 



DEDICATION 3 

RETROSPECTION "^ 

SOLITUDE 8 

THINE EYES ^ 

WAFT, YE GENTLE BREEZES, WAFT ..... 10 

\ THE BIRTH OF LIBERTY S 1'^'^6-1S76. \ 14 

MAY IT SO FOR EVER BE ! . . . . ' • • • -15 
MAY BE, PERHAPS 16 

THE WIDOWED HEART 18 



HOPE 



19 



THE RAG MAN 20 

CATARACTS OF PLEASURE 22 

I THINK OF MY MOTHER 23 

REPENTANCE AND CHARITY 24 

THE AMERICAN HYMN 25 

/ COULD NOT HELP TO STAY ....... 26 

THE LOVE-LETTER 27 

THINE IMAGE 27 

MOTHERS LOVE IS TRUE . 29 

FAR FROM MY COUNTRY 30 

FADED FLOWERS 31 

THE DYING WIFE'S FAREWELL 32 

V 



VI CONTENTS. 

THE MORNING KISS 33 

THE LONELY SENTINEL 34 

SERENADE D' AMOUR 35 

WHISPERING HOPE 36 

HOP, HOP! 36 

FRIENDSHIP, TRUTH, AND LOVE 38 

FOND MEMORIES OF THE PAST 38 

ROMTOM, ROMTOM 40 

LOVE, THOU ART A HEAVEN TO ME 41 

GERMAN UNITY 42 

GERMAN UNION HYMN 42 

PEACE ON EARTH 44 

CHORAL — THE BIRTH OF LIBERTY 45 

LIST OF SONGS 48 



POEMS 



RETROSPECTION. 

The mantle of Night is o'erspreading tlie heath, 

And nature is resting in calmness beneath ; 

No voices are heard ; the night-birds alone 

Are breathing their music in mellowest tone. 

How sweet is this lull ! it heals the sore heart, 

Unburdens the soul, bids grief to depart. 

To scenes once so bright I now wander in thought. 

Again to enjoy the fond pleasures they brought. 

When the prism of youth lent its coloring rare, 

Making each dreamy view more enchantingly fair ; 

Mere trifles were then a pure fountain of joy, — 

I knew not of sorrow's embitt'ring alloy. 

Before me is imaged the place of my birth ; 

I 'm chatting with kindred and friends in sweet mirth ; 

Thro' valleys, o'er mountains I roam with them now. 

And the freedom of youth comes again to my brow ; 

Yet, alas ! though the vision reality seem. 

The cares of the day will dispel the sweet dream. 



POEMS 



SOLITUDE. 

SOLITUDE ! a balm thou art 
For my sad and aching heart ; 
Thou dost wield thy greatest pow'r, 
While I muse at night's lone hour. 
Touched by Fancy's magic hand, 
Open then lies spirit-land ; 
To those realms, so wondrous bright, 
Eises Mind in rapturous flight. 
There, in mystic bow'rs she'll find 
Various treasures in their kind : 
Strings of pearls and diamonds rare ; 
Garlands wound of flowers fair ; 
All that science can diffuse ; 
And the works of ev'ry muse. 
OjWhat thrilling ecstasy. 
Such a store of wealth to see ! 
But, alas ! these joys can't last. 
All must flow adown the Past ; 
Care and pain that age involve, 
Surely will each dream dissolve. 
Spring and Summer, searing Fall, 
Passed, and left but Winter's pall, 
Many a scene I once enjoyed, 
Turned into a dreary void. 



POEMS. 

LoYe no more its glory lends ; 
'Neatli the sod lie kin and friends ; 
And from those, still left to me, 
I am torn by Fate's decree. 
But, while yet my heart beats' warm : 
While true Friendship lends an arm : 
While the mind keeps fresh and clear, - 
Life remains to me still dear. 
When cold Death his vict'ry gains, 
Ending all my fears and pains, 
Lay me in the cosy nest 
Built for man's eternal rest. 
Let no tears your vision dim ; 
Sound Columbia's STiKRiiq-G Hymn-! 
That in triumph Mind may rise. 
Though the body mouldering lies ; — 
Then, with calmest peace indued, 
I'll enjoy sweet Solitude ! 



THINE EYES. 

The azure of thine eyes, sweet love, 

Bright as the firmament, 
Has cheered me in the darkest hours, 

To life has lustre lent. 



10 POEMS. 

They are the mirrors of thy soul, 

Betray each passing thought ; 
Thy inmost fancies, dearest love, 

Are to their surface brought ! 

* 

Should now and then a cloudlet come, 
That tells of inward grief, 

'T will, quickly past, but serve to show 
Their radiance in relief. 

Thou canst not know what bliss it is 

To gaze into thine eye ; 
It seems to me as if the gates 

Of Heav'n would open fly ! 



WAFT, YE GENTLE BREEZES, WAET. 

Waft, ye gentle breezes, waft 

Where my love is sleeping now ; 
While she dreams of by-gone joys, 

Fan her fair, ethereal brow. 
Snatch the dream-words from her lips ; 

Send them on your fleety wing ; 
And thou, faithful Echo, too. 

All she says repeating bring ! 



POEMS. 11 

When she from her slumber wakes, 

Whisper in her listening ear, 
That within my heart enshrined 

I shall ever hold her dear. 
Cruel Fate has parted us ; — 

Life would dreary be, and cold. 
But to know she 's true to me 

Fills my soul with bliss untold. 

We shall meet again, sweet love ! 

On bright Heaven's golden shore ; 
There, secure from sorrow's pangs. 

Bitter tears shall flow no more. 
Calming Death ! we long for thee ; 

Take us from this world away ! 
When we pass beyond the grave. 

Direful Fate will lose her sway. 
Clad in robes of purest white. 

Midst the angels' countless throngs. 
Round the throne of Grod we '11 stand. 

Praising Him in thankful sojigs : 
Brightest then will shine our love. 

Clear from earth's impure alloy, 
And our God-united souls 

Share in Heaven's eternal joy ! 



12 POEMS. 



HEAVEN-BORN FREEDOM. 

All hail to our beloved Republic 

On lier centennial day of birth ! 
Unite in song throughout the Country, 

To praise our mighty Nation's worth ; 
And now, as when our dauntless Fathers 

Sent to the world their missive bold, 
We '11 reassert our independence 

Beneath the Stars and Stripes of old. 

CHORUS. 

And now, as when our dauntless Fathers 
Sent to the world their missive bold. 

We '11 reassert those sacred rights 
Beneath our Flag of old : 

We'll reassert those sacred rights 
Beneath the Stars and Stripes of old. 

While Heaven-born Freedom in her cradle 

Was nursed with anxious love and care. 
Our patriot-sires marched forth to battle. 

To win for her a birthright fair. 
Come, gallant freemen, let us rally 

Around that ever-hallowed shrine, 
And hail her new-wrought taintless splendor, 

The handiwork of Grace Divine ! 



* POEMS. 13 

CHORUS. 

Come, gallant freemen, let us rally 

Around that ever-hallowed shrine, 
And gladly hail her taintless form, 

The work of Grace Diyine ! 
And gladly hail her taintless form, 

The handiwork of Grace Divine I 

Lord ! protect us in thy mercy, 

And fill our hearts with virtue pure ; 
For thus alone can this great Union 

In bonds of love and peace endure. 
Let Eight and Justice guide our people 

In all their dealings with the world, 
That every race our Flag may welcome. 

On land or sea, where'er unfurled. 

CHORUS. 

Let Eight and Justice guide our people 
In all their dealings with the world, 

That ev'ry race our Flag may greet. 
Where'er it be unfurled : 

That ev'ry race our Flag may greet, 
On land or sea, where'er unfurled. 



14 POEMS. 



THE BIRTH OF LIBERTY. 

Oke hundred years since Li])erty 

Sprang into fruitful life, 
And shielded by the hand of God, 

Came safely through war's strife. 

Triumphant waves her star-lit Flag ; 

Oppression rules no more ; 
Give thanks to those undaunted men. 

Our noble sires of yore ! 

They left to us a legacy. 

Our Union grand, sublime ; 
Pray now and e'er, that gracious Heaven 

Preserve it for all time ! 

And as the days and years waft by 

On time's unbounded sea. 
Our nation's songs of praise shall rise, 

Almighty God, to Thee ! 



POEMS. 15 



MAY IT SO FOR EVER BE I 

As the stars the brightest shine 
In the darkest hour of night, 

So will e'er thy sparkling eyes 
Fill my troubled soul with light. 

As the healing balm on wounds 
Takes away the burning pain, 

So thy words will ever sooth, 
By their tender, calming strain. 

When I press thy hand in mine, 
Flows a magic charm through me ; 

Every nerve with pleasure thrills, 
While I fondly gaze on thee. 

Life is never burdensome. 

While thy lays will comfort me ; 

Thy sweet presence fleets the time, — • 
May it so for ever be ! 



16 POEMS. 



MAY BE, PERHAPS. 

A MAK may with some cliarmimg girl 
Throngh all the different dances whirl ; 
May sigh and coo, or try his wit ; 
Yet, nothing may come out of it. 

Perhaps she is not pleased with him : 
His figure may be tall and slim ; 
Perhaps he is too short and stout ; 
His nose too big ; his lips stick out. 

His hair may be too dark or light ; 
The eyes and forehead not as bright 
As she has seen some others shine 
In heads of men she thought divine. 

His cheeks may be too red and full ; 
Perhaps the mien may be too dull ; 
His teeth may be not white enough ; 
His voice and talk may be too rough. 

Perhaps his limbs are not quite straight; 
May be she hates his clumsy gait ; 
But, worst, his feet hide so much floor, 
She cannot bear the horrid bore ! 



POEMS. 



17 



'T is time, I think, to end my song. 
Or else it may be found too long ; 
But, if you wish so, then I may. 
Perhaps, have something more to say. 

ENCORE VERSES. 

Kind friends, I'm pleased by your encore, 
And gladly tell a few things more ; 
Although the ladies fair may scorn. 
Should I perhaps the tables turn, — 

It can't be helped, — it must be so. 
Or what to say I should not know ; 
The subject 's worn, I used it well, — 
I must now on the ladies tell. 

[Hesitates, shows great perplexity ; opens his mouth as if to begin ; 
stops, — to do so again ; then, after some comical gestures, makes up his 
mind and goes on with the song.] 

No, no ! I have concluded now, 

I cannot hurt the girls, I vow ! 

'T is better I should silent be. 

Than smart them with a scathing glee ; 

I 'm far too fond of one for that. 
And when we meet, off goes my hat ! 
So, then, good-night, fair ladies sweet, 
I shall be ever at your feet ! 



18 POEMS. ,, 

m 

THE WIDOWED HEART. 

Give me again the sweet content 
That to our home its beauty lent, 
Where we at eye, in pleasant chat, 
With parents dear and friends have sat, — 
Our fragrant garden, decked with flowers. 
Its cozy nooks and shady bowers ; 
The brook's soft gurgle in the grove, 
Where oft I met thee, dearest love ! 
'T was there our vows at first were given. 
Beneath the starry eyes of heaven. 

When, joined in holy marriage-bands. 

We roamed through many distant lands. 

To see the wonders nature wrought. 

And those designed by human thought. 

Till, where the sun most torrid shone. 

Thy health had failed, thy strength was gone, 

Alas ! alas ! too soon I felt. 

When at thy couch in prayer I knelt. 

Thy soul would seek another zone, 

And I remain on earth alone. 

As now, dearest husband, 
I kneel at thy tomb. 



POEMS. 19 

I pray for deliy'rance 

From life's lonesome doom ; 
I long for reunion 

In regions above, 
Where lasting enjoyments 

Await us, my love. 

Look down from yonder azure dome, 
And guide me to my cherished home : 
Thou hast in life protected me ; 
In death my guardian-angel be ! 
Should fiercest storms the ocean lash. 
And thunderbolts around me flash, 
I will not fear, but hail the harm 
That would restore me to thine arm ; 
Then welcome danger, welcome Death ! 
I dread no more his chilling breath. 



HOPE. 

The heart that almost sinks to-day 
Beneath its care and sorrow 

May cherish still a brightening ray 
Of hope for joy to-morrow. 



20 POEMS. 



THE RAG MAN. 

Heigh-ho ! I 'm tired of wandering 

And should'ring these two bags ; 
I '11 rest me here, and take a look 

At some of my old rags. 
You know 't would never do to search 

With scrutinizing eye 
Among such motly things while yet 

The ladies stand close by ; 
But here, within this lonely place, 

While not a soul is near, 
I '11 take these rags from out this bag, 

Without one bit of fear. 
This lovely dress, quite handsome yet, 

Was fit for any belle ; 
I '11 have it done u|) projoerly, 

And give it to my Nell. 
Hallo ! what are these fixings here ? 

Such stuff I seldom see ; 
No matter, — I will put them by, 

Whate'er their use may be : 
My wife, no doubt, will comprehend 

For what these bolsters serve; 
Long since I 've found her out to be 

A woman of great nerve. 



POEMS. ^1 

This once so pretty handkerchief, 

With all its severed threads, 
Eeminds me of the battle-flags 

Our boys brought home in shreds. 
These stockings, out at heel and toe, 

Are nigh as good as new ; 
My thrifty wife will darn them well. 

As good wiyes always do. 
By wearing second-handed clothes. 

Which I so cheaply buy. 
We have already quite a sum 

For rainy days laid by. 
Though married many years ago. 

We have not quarreled yet ; 
Our life is perfect happiness, — 

A thing but seldom met. 
No differences can arise 

If both are of one mind ; 
Thus shall our hearts for ever be 

In mutual love entwined. 
But now, I think, my supper waits ; 

It must be nearly eight ; 
My wife is always punctual. 

And I am seldom late. 



23 POEMS. 



CATARACTS OF PLEASURE. 

Above Niagara's miglity falls 

I stood in silent wonder ; 
They spoke to me of Nature grand, 

In sounds of roaring thunder : 
Its ruffled flood reminded me 

Of life's unceasing troubles, 
And that our dreams are naught but foam, 

And burst like airy bubbles. 
Its plunge into the precipice 

Has told me, in some measure, 
That we should never fail to flee 

The cataracts of pleasure ; — 
If once their rapids get a hold, 

No friend can lend assistance ; 
In fearful flight they '11 draw us down. 

And wreck our whole existence. 
We ought to look at worldly goods 

With coolness and suspicion, 
Nor let our luring fancies give 

To ruin free admission ; 
However sweet the thing may taste, 

However bright the treasure, — 
It may become, by sinful use, 

A cataract of pleasure ! 



POEMS. 23 

So, heed my warning words, dear friend, 

And o'er tlieir meaning ponder : 
Keep pure in mind, avoid excess, 

That joy may wait thee yonder. 



I THINK OF MY MOTHER. 

Ik the stillness of night, when the world is at rest, 
I think of my mother, gone home to the blest ! 
While she sleepeth in peace 'neath the flowery mould. 
Her spirit would cheer me from regions untold ; 
In my fancies I see her approaching the bed, 
Bending o'er me, impressing a kiss on my head. 
Mother dear! mother dear! fold me close to your breast, 
Take me up to the home of the good and the blest. 

When sweet slumber is closing the lid of the eye, 
I dream that my mother still watches close by; 
As in life's rosy time she would fondle my cheek. 
Her looks are love's image, so patient and meek ! 
Oh ! how fair is this dream, may it last ever more, 
Till I join her on heaven's ethereal shore. 
Mother dear! mother dear! fold me close to your breast, 
Take me up to the home of the good and the blest. 



24 POEMS. 



REPENTANCE AND CHARITY. 

Do k't trust the man who dares to say, 

" I ne'er committed errors ; " 
The braggart only will talk so, 

Or he that flaunts false colors ; 
The best of minds are lured away 

From duty's pathway, often, 
But deep remorse will follow soon, 

Their wayward hearts to soften. 
Repentant tears should evermore 

Our sympathy awaken : 
They shine more bright, more pure, than pearls 

That e'er from sea were taken. 
An unsuspecting girl may stray. 

Through youth and love's temptation, 
And thus become an easy prey 

To libertine's flirtation ; 
A shiv'ring beggar may be driv'n 

To clothe himself by stealing. 
Because a moralizing world 

Lacks charitable feeling ; 
So runs it on : the rich may not 

In goodly heart be wanting. 
But seldom know how poverty 

For kindly aid is panting. 



POEMS. 25 



THE AMERICAN HYMN.* 

Speed our republic, Father on high ! 

Lead us in pathways of justice and right; 
Rulers as well as the ruled, " One and all/' 

Gird Thou with virtue, — the armor of might! 
Hail, three times hail, to our country and flag ! 

Foremost in battle for Freedom to stand. 
We rush to arms when aroused by its call ; 

Still, as of yore, when brave WASHii^GTOiq- led. 
Thunders our war-cry : We conquer or fall ! 

Hail, three times hail, to our country and flag ! 

Faithful and honest to friend and to foe, 
Willing to die in humanity's cause, — 

Thus we defy all tyrannical pow'r. 
While we contend for our Union and laws ! 

Hail, three times hail, to our country and flag ! 

Else up, proud eagle, rise up to the clouds ! 

Spread thy broad wings o'er this fair western world ! 
Fling from thy beak our dear banner of old, — 

Show that it still is for freedom unfurl'd ! 
Hail, three times hail, to our country and flag ! 

* When sung, the last three lines of each stanza are repeated. 



26 POEMS. 



I COULD NOT HELP TO STAY. 

Come, kiss me quick, my darling, — 

Do n't pout at me, I pray ! 
Though knowing you were waiting, 

I could not help to stay : 
The dancing was delightful ; 

The music charming, too ; 
One grace alone was missing, — 

Of course, sweet love, 't was you ! 

Hadst thou but seen, dearest. 

The throngs so bright and gay, 
No longer wouldst thou wonder 

I could not help to stay ; 
The diamonds rare were sj)arkling. 

Just like the stars of night ; 
But those twin orbs were missing, — 

Thine eyes so sweetly bright. 

The belles shone forth in beauty ; 

The beaux looked stylish, too ; 
And yet, one more was wanting — 

Sweet love, I longed for you ! 
Thou wouldst have added splendor, 

To all those scenes, so gay. 



POEMS. 27 



And had I wished to leave them, 
Thyself had bid me stay ! 



THE LOYE-LETTER. 

Betweek some fragrant flowers, sent me the other day, 

I found a little note, hid cunningly away ; 

I stood amazed awhile, and knew not how to act, — 

Though foolish it may seem, 't was really the fact. 

Curiosity at length, put all my fears to flight ; 

I read it o'er and o'er, and dreamt of it all night. 

No doubt you 'd like to know the writer of that note ; 
I '11 tell you : 't is a lad on whom I fondly dote. 
He told me of his love in passion's sweetest terms, 
And how for my reply with trembling heart he yearns. 
I answered him in truth, I promised him my hand, 
And now we soon shall join in wedlock's holy band. 



THINE IMAGE. 

Thike image, love, is shining forth. 
Where'er my looks may turn, 

'T is- printed on the fresh, green leaves 
That gentle spring has borne. 



28 POEMS. 

From out the silv'ry streamlet peep 

Thy features unto me ; 
Each daisy, nodding in the field, 

A likeness owns of thee ; 
And e'en when sleep doth close mine eyes, 

It cannot hide thy face. 
As thou would st still before me stand 

My happy dreams to grace. 

CHOEUS. 

The trees and flow'rs, the air and stream, 

Speak all in praise of thee. 
And when I sleep, some happy dream 

Will bring thy form to me. 

Thy name, sweet love, the zephyr spells 

Into my list'ning ear ; 
The whisp'ring trees are telling naught 

But those same notes, so dear ; 
And as the rippling streamlet winds 

Its way o'er rocks and sand. 
It seems to speak the praise of thee 

In murmers low and bland. 
The echo, too, repeats thy name 

When called aloud by me. 
And oft 't would e'en, by answ'ring twice. 

Arouse my jealousy ! — Cho. 



POEMS. 29 



MOTHER'S LOVE IS TRUE. 

RocKiN'G her dear infant 

While she sings to him, 
Sits a mother, nightly, 

Near a light quite dim ; 
Sickness made him slender. 

Pale has grown his cheek — 
But his little features 

Look so calm and meek ! 
Sleep, dear bahe, sleep on again. 

While your angel wakes ! 
Mother's love, derived from Heaven, 

In its joy partakes. 

Mindless of her trouble, 

Cheerly guard she keeps 
Over her sweet darling. 

Who now soundly sleeps ! 
When he, reawaking. 

Opens his bright eye. 
Finds he still his mother 

As she sits close by : 
Smiling then, his cheeks will flush 

With a rosy hue ; 
Tender care has sav'd his life, — 

Mother's love is true ! 



30 POEMS, 



FAR FROM MY COUNTRY. 

Though I Ve wandered through many a country, 

Oyer mountains and far-stretching plains, 
None I 've found that can boast of such beauty 

As my own beloved country contains ! 
I am longing to see its great rivers ; 

The broad ocean that kisses its shore ; 
Ajad its mountains and vales, full of verdure ; — 

Shall I roam through those scenes never more ? 
Over lakes of majestic dimensions 

Glides the fleet of our steamers and sails, 
While the iron horse swiftly is dashing, 

O'er the breadth of the land, on the rails. 

In the fields, in the shadowy forests. 

On our prairies' nigh boundless extent, 
I have learned what munificent nature 

To my dear native country has lent. 
Down in deep, subterranean caverns, * 

Where the sun ne'er can send its bright rays, 
I beheld such great, fanciful wonders 

As we read but in fabulous lays. 
Where Niagara's waters are roaring, 

As they plunge in the yawnings below, 
I stood wond'ring, and gazed at the spray clouds, 

That were crowned with the sun-tinted bow. 



POEMS. 31 

There 's no country, however so famous, 

That I prize like the land of my birth, 
Where the people, with heart-felt emotion, 

Sing the songs of its woes and its mirth. 
Once I dreamed of the many great battles 

That our sires for dear liberty fought, 
And how bravely they stood out their trials, 

Till the land from the tyrant was wrought : 
Then I saw a bright object arising 

From the peak of a towering crag, 
Shedding lustre on all things around me ; — 

'T was our glorious, star-spangled Flag ! 



FADED FLOWERS. 

Come to my heart, ye faded flow'rs, 

Eest there until its throbs shall cease ! 
Fresh blown, you graced my brightest hours. 

Lull now a broken heart to peace ! 
How often fell my burning tears 

Upon each pale and shriveled leaf ! 
Thus you have been for many years 

The only friends that shared my grief. 

My joys have died, like these dear flow'rs : 
There 's naught but sadness left to me ; 



32 POEMS. 

Swift were the bright and happy hours ; 

Slow seems the time of woe to be. 
May I soon reach that tranquil place, 

Where all is hushed to silent rest ; 
There let me lie, in Death's embrace. 

With these dry flow'rs upon my breast ! 



THE DYING WIFE^S FAREWELL. 

I'm bidding thee the last farewell. 

My husband and my friend. 
While gushing tears the feelings tell 

Which now this poor breast rend. 
One thought alone still cheers the heart, 

Allays the bitter pain, — 
That though from earth we must depart, 

In Heaven we '11 meet again ! 

My children, dear, come closer, too ; 

Receive the parting kiss ; 
Keep ever to my teachings true; 

Avoid sin's dark abyss ! 
My soul will soon take up her flight 

To Heaven's bright, glittering shore ; 
'T is there we soon shall reunite, 

And then we part no more ! 



POEMS. 



33 



THE HOMING KISS. 

Come, dearest babe, to mother's breast, 

Eeceive the morning kiss ! 
In thee thy parents' pleasures rest, — 

Thon art our earthly bliss. 
Poor father, still so far away. 

Will miss his darhng's smile, 
While I am longing for the day, 

When he '11 recross our stile. 
This little home will then contain 

The treasures dear to me ; 
None richer I could seek to gain. 

What e'er its name might be. 

A husband's love, a babe so bright. 

Seem all the world to me ; 
It fills the heart with sweet delight. 

To chat with him and thee. 
Kind Heaven grant his safe return 

Unto our humble cot ! 
For this I pray at eve and morn ; 

T 'will never be forgot. 
To welcome father home once more. 

How great will be the bliss ! 
Then you and I, as oft before. 

Shall get his morning kiss. 



34 POEMS. 



THE LONELY SENTINEL. 

Far from his home a lonely sentinel 

Stood motionless, while leaning on his gun ; 
The moistened eyes bespoke some heartfelt spell, 

As thus he gazed upon the setting sun : 
His thoughts were wandering with the shining orb, 

As westward on it went in majesty ; 
One fervent prayer did all his mind absorb, — 

'T was that he might again, his kindred see! 

A pale and lifeless form lies on a bier, 

Enshrouded by the Flag for which he fought ; 
" He seems to smile ! " exclaim his comrades near : 

'T was a reflection of that longing thought ! 
The tears which moistened yesterday his eyes 

Have dried away — no trace of them is seen ; 
On Death's swift wings his spirit homeward flies, 

"While graced with laurels is the earthly mien. 

He fell, a hero in his country's cause. 
Amidst the greatest carnage of the fight ; 

No hail of lead could ever make him pause ; — 
His watchword was, ^^ For Liberty and Right! " 

As he lay bleeding, then, upon the ground, 
Among the Northern and the Southern slain. 



POEMS. 35 

He cried, " Give up! we '11 all rest 'neath one mound; 
No wanton hand shall tear our land in twain ! " 

His manly face grew pallid, soon, and cold ; 

The dimming ej^es forshadowed Death's approach; 
Once more his looks turned to our flag of old — 

He loved her well, — she waved him no reproach! 
A thought of wife and child he left to mourn 

Called forth affection's mild and soothing tear ; 
His heart, so true, was theirs in life's bright morn ; 

Through day eternal, too, he'll hold them dear! 



SERENADE D'AMOUR. 

Upok the breeze of evening 

Sends now the nightingale 
His sweet, melodious warblings. 

O'er hills and through the dale. 
Come, dearest love, list to his voice, 

While he so gladly sings, 
That, heart to heart, we may enjoy 

The notes each zephyr brings. 

His accents, soft and swelling, 

Arise from yonder heaths ; 
He seems love's story telling. 

As thus he music breathes ! — Come, etc. 



36 POEMS. 



WHISPERING HOPE. 

Oh ! call me not a peevish, silly thing, 

When silent tears are gushing from my eyes ! 
The heart that once made me so gladly sing 

Finds consolation now in tears and sighs : 
The love I bore to thee, thou didst betray ; 

Forgotten are thy vows of constancy ; 
And yet I list to Hope's enchanting lay : 

She whispers still, " He will return to thee ! " 

Oh ! couldst thou feel the anguish of my heart. 

As I compare the Present with the Past ! 
Once loved, and now forgot — from thee apart — 

Life's spring has changed into a wintry blast : 
No ray of light breaks through the darkness drear ; 

Gone are my joys, hushed is the merry glee ; 
And yet I cling to life while Hope is near : 

She whispers still, " He will return to thee ! '* 



HOP, HOP! 

Hop, hop ! hop, hop ! goes all the world, 
From morn till night's late hours ; 



POEMS. 37 

Hop, liop ! hop, hop ! Fortuna comes 

To spend her golden show'rs. 
Good hick in stocks she '11 give to some ; 

To others, shares in oil ; 
While numbers slyly contracts g-et. 

That keep them out of toil. 
Hop, hop! ha ha! hop, hop! ha ha! 
Hop, hop ! hop, hop ! the gold is up, 

And then again 'tis down ; 
The winners smile upon their gains ; 

The losers sadly frown. 

Hop, hop ! hop, hop ! a doctor rides 

About, to cure or kill ; 
A crazy politician runs. 

To save the land from ill. 
The ladies, too, would join the chase. 

And gather up the dirt ; 
Their costly dresses, sweep the street 

With half a yard of skirt. 
Hop, hop ! ha ha ! hop, hop ! ha ha ! 
Hop, hop! hop, hop! they'll tuck them up. 

On rainy muddy days, 
When lo! the pretty balmoral 

Its colored stripes displays. 



38 POEMS. 



FRIENDSHIP, TRUTH, AND LOVE. 

I BEHELD once a triad of seraphim, bright, 

That were singing to me in a dream ; 
Oh ! what rapture was mine, while celestial notes. 

From their spirit-lips sweetly did stream. 
Lovingkindness was beaming from out their clear eyes, 

That were shining like stars in the regions above ; 
May those heaven-born guests ever dwell with us here, 

The bright angels of Friendship of Truth and of Love. 

Where this triad abideth, contentions have ceased ; 

Neither envy nor hatred are known ; 
And the manifold evils engendered by sin 

To oblivion forever have flown. 
Peace and happiness reigneth wherever are found 

Those bright messengers sent from the regions above; 
As in life, so in death, we shall ever be cheered 

By the angels of Friendship, of Truth and of Love. 



POND MEMORIES OF THE PAST. 

The golden flow'rs have faded. 
That graced life's winding way ; 



POEMS. 39 

Youth's sunny smile has vanished, 
Naught 's left but winter's gray. 

And yet beside the foliage, 

Touched by the with'ring blast, 

The evergreen is living — 
Fond mem'ries of the past ! 

Enshrined upon the altar 

Of love that never dies, 
Eetaining still its fragrance, 

Each shriveled blossom lies. 
And as the soothing tear-drops 

Bedew the scattered leaves. 
Their freshened hues seem teUing, 

That ev'ry one still lives. 

While thus I 'm fondly dreaming 

Of all held once so dear, 
Time swiftly passes onward, — 

Life's evening hours draw near. 
Though soon the scene must darken. 

Beneath night's shadow cast, 
Yet some bright rays will linger — 

Fond mem'ries of the past ! 



40 POEMS. 



ROMTOM, ROMTOM. 

Come, 0, come, my dearest little girl, 

Thy lover here is waiting ; 
Listen to the rideldididow 

My banjo now is making! 
I then shall tell thee all I feel, 

If thou wilt only hear me ; 
But, oh, so like a writhing eel, 

When caught, 't is hard to keep thee! 
Eideldidow ! rideldidow ! 

Romtom, romtom, rideldididow, 
Rideldidi, rideldidi, rideldididow! 

Come, etc. [repeating first four lines.] 
From thy sweet lips one single kiss. 

Is all that I was asking ; 
" No, no ! " thou saidst " this is a bliss 

I cannot yet be granting ! " 
Eideldidow! etc. 

Come, etc. [repeating first four lines.] 
Take, then, sweet girl, my heart and hand, 

'T is all that I am owning ; 
But do not longer now withstand — 

Come listen to my wooing! 
Eideldidow! etc. 



POEMS. 41 



LOVE, THOU ART A HEAVEN TO ME, 

Sparkling and bright, 
Like diamond's light, 
Seems, love, to me, 
Thy beautiful e'e ; 
Color of rose 
Thy lovely cheek shows 
Euby each lip, 
Where kisses I sip ; 
Pearl are thy teeth ; 
Like amber thy breath ; 
Silky and fair 
Thy ringlets of hair. 

Snow-white the skin, 
And dimpled the chin ; 
Perfect each part, — 
Surpassed not by art ; 
Willing to bless. 
By fondest caress, 
Ever I find 
. Thy heart and thy mind ; 
When in my arms 
I'm holding those charms, 
Seems earth to be 
A heaven to me ! 



4:2 POEMS. 



GERMAN UNION HYMN. 

[Dedicated to William I., Emperor of Germany.] 

God ! in thy mercy protect us from harm, 
Shield us in peace or in war by thine arm ; 
Grant our good Emperor Thy blessing for e'er ; 
Keep all his kindred in Thy gracious care. 

Heavenly Father ! before Thee we kneel, 
Thanking for all Thou hast done for our weal ; 
Praising thy kindness, arises our song 
To thy bright Kingdom from every tongue. 

Hold in thy keeping the Black, White, and Red, 
For which our heroes their heart-blood have shed; 
Guide all our people with Thy mighty hand. 
Bind in true Union the whole Fatherland ! 



GERMAN UNITY. 

[Dedicated to William I., Emperor of Germany.] 

For an undivided nation 

Prussia aims with steadfast eye ; 

Threat'ning dangers never heeding. 
Soars her Eagle to the sky. 



POEMS. 43 

Singly, we are ever open 

To a strong and wily foe, — 
Then ukite, that we may proudly 

To the breeze oke banner throw ! 

Fresh to work ! ye Southern brethren, 

Join us bravely in our aim ; 
Falter not ! but let us boldly 

IlKioiq" through oiir land proclaim. 
Life and treasure — give it freely 

For such great and noble end, 
That our long-divided country 

All her flags in oke may blend. 

Loyal men, arouse! step forward! 

Lend the cause a helping hand ; 
Soon will then among the nations 

Germany an Empire stand. 
Banish jealousy and hatred ; 

Spare us all an humbling fate ; 
We are weak while yet divided : 

As an empire — strong and great ! 



44 POEMS. 



PEACE ON EARTH. 

Gkeat Jehovah ! turn Thine eye 

On Thy people gathered here ; 
Nations bow to Thee on high, — 

Deign, Lord, our prayer to hear. 
" Peace on earth, good will to men," 

Father ! we implore of Thee ; 
Shield us from war's direful bane ; 

From its evils keep us free. 

Hear the widow's lonely cry! 

War has laid her all in dust ; 
Orphans, too, with tearful eye, 

Look to Thee — in Thee they trust. 
" Peace on earth," etc. 

God of Grace ! inflame our hearts 
With that pure and holy love 

Which alone true joy imparts. 
Flowing from Thy realms above. 
" Peace on earth," etc. 



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45 



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48 



ADVERTISEMENT. 



LIST OF SONGS. 



The following List includes some of the latest and most popular of 
M. Keller's compositions, and may be found at all the principal music 
stores throughout the United States and Canadas. They are published 
by the Firms whose names are prefixed, as follows: 



O. DiTSON & Co., Boston, Mass. 

Could I he Near my Boy, 

Afloat on the Tide. 

She can Win and Fool you All. 

Golden Smile of Parting Day. 

Let me Fold thee Close, Mavourneen. 

The King and the Miller (Bass). 

There's a Pair of Little Hands (Con- 
tralto or Bass). 

Praise to God (Quartette). 

Canon — Hope (Quartette). 

Are you Coming, Annie. 

Smiles and Tears. 

Good-Night, Little Blossom (Mezzo- 
Soprano or Alto). 

Pond Memories of the Past. 

Where thou art, Love, is Heaven to me. 

Wiy should we Part f 

Angel of Peace (Quartette). 

/ know a Maid a pretty Maid. 

When shall I be a Bride ? 

Little Mischief. 

For You I 

White, Smith, & Co., Boston, Mass. 
Cricket on the Hearth. 
Friendship, Truth, and Love. 
Maggie Darling. 
Together Alone. 
Milkmaid's Marriage-Song. 
Say " Good-Bye,'' yet not " Fareivell.''^ 
Farewell, my Spirifs Lonely now. 
The Exile's Dream (Bass). 
Before I Saw thee. 
The open Door (Bass). 
Look not Backward. 
A ngels, Let her still Dreayn on. 
Peace on Earth (Quartette). 



Wm. Pond, & Co., New York. 
Mother, oh ! Sing me to Best. 
Oh ! the Heart it is a Treasure. 
Then Turn your Thoughts to me. 
Thine Lnage. 

I'm Lonely since he Left me. 
You 're all the World to me. 
Single Blessedness's a Fib. 
Where to Go. 
Sleighing with my Girl. 

S. Brainard's Sons, Cleveland, O. 
Blue-eyed Violets are Nodding. 
Call me not Home (Bass). 
I'm Lonely since my Brother Died. 
I Loved thee too Fondly. 
In the Stillness of Night. 
Mother will Greet me. 
Once Again.' 

Requiem — Abraham Lincoln (Quar). 
Unbidden Tears. 
The Teuton's Tribulation. 

G. D. Russell & Co., Boston, Mass. 
Ho7ne a-)id Friends. 
The Dying Wife's Farewell. 
The Morning Kiss. 
Serenade d' Amour (Duet). 
Whispering Hope. 
Darling Lillie. 
The Lonely Sentinel. Our Idol. 

In Press. 
Waft, ye Gentle Breezes, Waft. 
Heaven-Born Freedom. 
May it So for Ever be. 
The Widowed Heart. Thine Eyes. 

The Rag Man. May he. Perhaps. 



[49] 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF M. KELLER. 

BY GEO. W. BIEDSETE. 

Matthias Keller was born at Ulm, in the Kingdom 
of Wiirtemberg, March 20th, 1813. Displaying in his 
earhest years a great love for music, he was encouraged 
by his parents, and afforded every opportunity in their 
power to develop whatever talent he might be found 
to possess. After studying at Stuttgardt under the 
best masters, at the age of sixteen he was already ad- 
mitted as first violin in the Eoyal Chapel. There, 
under Lindpainter and Molique, he remained five 
years, and, encouraged by them, made some fair at- 
tempts at composition. Anxious for greater profi- 
ciency in the theory of music, he abandoned his 
position in the Eoyal Chapel to study harmony and 
counterpoint, under the celebrated Ritter von Seyfried, 
at Vienna. Three years after he was made bandmaster 
in the Third Royal Brigade, which j)Osition he held 
with distinction for more than seven years. 

His knowledge of and love for the divine art of 
music had the usual and natural effect of making his 
views and opinions on men and government broad 
and free, even to an extreme. The open expression 
of his republican ideas, whenever an opportunity of- 
fered, made him rather unpopular among his superioi 
officers, causing even open enmity on the jiart of some; 
and this unpleasant state of affairs only served to 
strengthen and foster the desire he had long cher- 
ished of coming to America, and becoming a citizen 
of a free country. Glowing inducements, held out to 



50 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 

him by a German friend in Philadelphia, increased his 
ardor; and a Fourth of Jnly dinner with a Mr. Thorn- 
dyke, — an enthusiastic New-Englander, a representa- 
tive from the " Hub" travelling through Germany at 
the time, — and what was said at the aforesaid dinner, 
resolved him. It was Independence Day to him for 
the first time, and with full hearts and brimming 
glasses they drank " to the United States of America ! " 
With renewed eagerness and diligence he attacked the 
English language, and soon mastered it sufficiently for 
his purpose. 

On the 20th day of March, 1846, his thirty-third 
birthday, he put his resolve to be born again in a new 
and happier land into execution, and left his native 
hills for the shores of a land that had grown almost 
Utopian to his fevered imagination. 

Taking passage from Havre, he found the famous 
Eavel Family companions of his voyage, and on his 
way over he composed for them the "Eavel Polka," 
which grew so popular in this country immediately 
after. For this he received from the publishers the 
enormous renumeration of one dollar and fifty cents 
(11.50); but this small sum seemed precious to him as 
his first earnings in his new home. 

It may be not improper to mention here that Mr. 
Keller brought over with him, among other composi- 
tions, Abt's "When the Swallows Homeward Fly," 
which was the first introduction of that author to an 
American public, and which culminated in Abt's assist- 
ance at the great International Peace Jubilee of 1872. 

Soon after his arrival in Philadelphia he obtained 
the position of first violin at the Walnut-Street The- 
atre in that city, and afterwards at the Arch-Street 



OF MATTHIAS KELLEE. 51 

Theatre. Then lie became leader for Miss Jean Dav- 
euj^ort, at the Chestnut-Street Theatre. Next he con- 
dncted English and German Opera successfully at 
the Callowhill-Street Theatre, after which he settled in 
New York, where he remained seven years, excepting 
while conduj3ting for Mr. and Mrs. Henri Drayton's 
Parlor Opera, which position he held for a year and a 
half, playing in Boston at the Melodeon and Boston 
Theatre, and travelling through all the principal cities 
as .far south as. Houston, Texas. 

.During his stay in " the City of Brotherly Love " he 
engaged in the manufacture of violins, the history of 
which he gives as follows : 

" While in Stuttgardt I frequently called on a friend, 
Mr. Martin Bauer, a violin-maker, and became much 
interested in the manufacture of the instrument, 
though only as an observer. The knowledge thus 
gained all came back to me again on seeing a pile of 
lumber which had been taken from an old house, and 
which was to be used in repairing another. Finding 
some of the rafters to be beautiful specimens of curled 
maple, I thought it a pity that they should serve merely 
for building purposes; and therefore I bought them, 
had them sawed up, and stored them in a corner of 
my room, to, perhaps, enrich with them some violin- 
maker with whom I might meet. But, as I did not 
get acquainted with any at that time, the idea struck 
me that I might bring my knowledge into play, and 
make one myself. . So, procuring some tools and the 
assistance of Mr. Joseph Neff, a piano-maker, in order 
to save myself from the coarser work, that I might not 
injure the flexibility of fingers, which is so important 
to a violin -player, we soon finished a violin, which 



52 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCH 

proved for the first trial to be a pretty good one. We 
then went into partnership, and the next instrument 
we made was awarded a silver medal by the American 
Institute, which held a fair about that time in the 
Chinese Museum, in Philadelphia. Afterwards, while 
carrying on the business alone, I invented a machine 
which did away with much of the labor of manufacture, 
and instructed men in the use of it; for it so happened 
that I did not at any time have the assistance of a regu- 
lar violin-maker, with the single exception of Mr. Ca- 
basse, who, however, was with me only a short time, 
when I gave up the business to go to New York. I 
made altogether about four hundred and fifty violins, 
many of which were distinguished for their excellent 
qualities of tone, and therefore prized by some of the 
best musicians." 

Shortly after the late civil war broke out, it will be 
remembered that a prize of five hundred dollars was 
offered by a committee of gentlemen for the best 
National Hymn. Here was an opportunity for our 
German-American. His love of liberty had grown 
with his growth since his arrival in his chosen land, 
and at this time his patriotism knew no bounds ; so it 
was but natural that he should have felt himself called 
upon to compete for the prize, or, what was far more 
precious to him, the honor of having written the Hymn 
of the American Nation. Inspired by such sentiments, 
he set about his labor of love, which resulted in that 
outpouring of reverence and love of country, the 
" American Hymn." The words as well as the music 
were his own, and the spirit of devotion that breathed 
through the one characterized the other. 

The following extract from a letter written some 



OF MATTHIAS KELLEE. 53 

years ago, gives an interesting incident connected with 
the Hymn in his own quaint style : " It was privately 
rehearsed by an orchestra, meeting with a hearty ap- 
proval ; and it was resolved that the Hymn should be 
brought before the public at a concert to be given at 
the Academy of Music, New York, the project of 
which involved an outlay of about six hundred dollars, 
which I had not at hand. My brother at that time 
had laid aside between three and four hundred dollars 
for the payment of an instalment on his house, which 
then was used, together with a borrowed sum of two 
hundred dollars, to give a G-rand Union Concert at 
the Academy of Music, which brought on a loss of 
over five hundred dollars, the total receipts of the 
concert having been forty-two dollars ; the conse- 
quence of which was, that my brother lost his house, 
while there was yet to pay the two hundred dollars 
borrowed from a friend." But even in this disastrous 
state of affairs our German friend was not to be dis- 
heartened. His whole soul was wrapt up in this one 
composition, and he felt that the only cause of his 
failure had been bad management. He next tried 
Boston, having it introduced to the public and the 
city authorities by the performance of several of the 
city bands. In this manner it soon gained the popu- 
larity and favor it so well deserved. On every impor- 
tant public occasion at the " Hub," Keller's American 
Hymn is the first on the programme. At the surrender 
of the battle-flags to the State authorities it was per- 
formed by Gilmore's band, at the sjDecial request of 
His Excellency Governor Andrew ; at the State Mil- 
itary Ball it was given with wonderful effect as an 
opening piece by over one hundred musicians. On 



54 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 

every Independence Day it is the first piece performed 
on the Common ; and on one occasion of this kind it 
was sung by five hundred children from the grammar 
schools, accompanied by the Great Organ and an or- 
chestra under Carl Zerrahn. The effect, as may be sup- 
posed, was magnificent. I have spoken thus at length 
upon the American Hymn, as it is through that that 
Mr. Keller is best known to the music-loving people, 
and through which he would desire to be known 
rather than any other of his many compositions. 

Mr. Keller has now written about two hundred and 
fifty songs, some of them mentioned in the Advertise- 
ment on page 48 of this book, together with the ar- 
rangement of the American Hymn for four male voices. 

In the earlier part of his life Mr. Keller often occu- 
pied his leisure hours in oil painting. Later, when 
confined to his room by infirmity, and after a lapse of 
thirty years, he again wields the brush and produces a 
pair of very enjoyable fruit-pieces, and restores many 
other paintings, while a couple of unfinished landscapes 
serve to mark the point in this pastime where he was 
overtaken by that most unfortunate of maladies, a 
stroke of paralysis. 

In stature Mr. Keller is about the medium, With 
a fine, ruddy complexion, and somewhat full habit. 
This, together with his flowing white beard and bald 
head, gives him a venerable and even patriarchal ap- 
pearance. It is improbable that he will ever recover 
his bodily faculties, though his mind is as vigorous 
and his Jaeart as buoyant as ever, and he is always 
keenly alive to the events of the day, so far as they 
affect the welfare and glory of his adopted land. 



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